In the other classes 2006 British Junior Champion Conrad Rautenbach scored a dominant victory in the S1600 class, winning every single stage, despite struggling with engine problems on Friday night, and finished fifth overall as well.
Class R2 was initially dominated by Vessa Mikkola. The son of former British and World Rally champion Hannu, Vessa had opened up a huge lead when he suffered suspension problems and dropped back. This allowed James Wozencroft into the lead before he too ran into problems. Going into the last loop of stages it was fellow Suzuki Swift driver Lorna Smith leading the class but she was being hunted down by Citroen C2R2 driver Jamie Hickman, who entered the last stage leading the class - only for his engine to let go 4 miles from the end of the rally. 18 year old Jason Pritchard upheld Citroen honours by finishing second in the class behind Smith, who also took the Ladies Award.
In the ‘Stars’ category for 1400cc cars Richard Sykes led initially before clutch problems slowed his Peugeot. Then Mark Gamble had a big moment over a jump and damaged his power steering and radiator. This coupled with fuel pressure problems throughout the event dropped him a load of time and allowed Mike Harris Jr, also in a Citroen C2, to cruise to the victory ahead of Matt Cotton in an MG.
Round two, the
Jim Clark International is only 4 weeks away, with the start taking place on Friday May 25 from Kelso.
